Jason Giambi was placed on the Rockies disabled list Tuesday with a strained left quadricep. The injury, however, does not necessarily hurt the chances of the Rockies trading him.

Philadelphia is the one team that has had interest. The Phillies want him as a stretch-run threat off the bench, and a weapon in the post-season. The fact Giambi is currently on the disabled list could enhance that.

Why? Simple. The Phillies acquire him, give him time to heal, and then, in August, send him out on a 15-day rehab assignment, which allows Giambi to get 50-plus at-bats, and tune up his swing for the days of September and October.

It's not like Giambi carries a big price tag. He is making $1 million, and the Rockies know they are not going to get a great deal in return. The only reason they would trade him is out of respect, to give him a chance to play in the postseason.

The chances of Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez being dealt are now “around 50/50,” according to one major league source close to the talks.

For the moment, though, some of the suitors are dismayed at what they believe are high demands. An executive of one interested team described the current price tag as “unrealistic.” But that could change in the days leading up to Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver deadline.

The Reds have been pursuing Jimenez for weeks, sources say, and they remain very much involved in the talks. The Tigers, who seem determined to add a starter, have Jimenez near the top of their list, as well.

Other teams who have at least checked in include the Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers, sources say. The Rangers, though, are focused primarily on adding a reliever.

An exchange of names has occurred between the Rockies and at least one team, a source said.

The Rockies entered Friday facing a 10-game deficit in the National League West, amid reports of their openness to trading ace Ubaldo Jimenez.

If they ultimately deal Jimenez — and even if they don’t — why stop there?

A number of teams, including the Indians and Pirates, have asked the Rockies about catcher Chris Iannetta, according to major-league sources. Iannetta is the Rockies’ starting catcher, with a .789 OPS in 74 games, but Colorado is willing to consider offers for him.

Highly regarded catching prospect Wilin Rosario, 22, is hitting for power at Colorado’s Class AA affiliate, suggesting his arrival to the majors might not be too far away. Iannetta, meanwhile, is only under contract through next season, with a club option for 2013.

The Red Sox have had off-and-on interest in Iannetta, a Rhode Island native, but Boston appears content with its catching at the moment.

The Cincinnati Reds are focused on trading for a high-end starter and/or middle reliever leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline, major league sources say.

At one point, Cincinnati was seriously considering a shortstop upgrade, but the impressive play of rookie Zack Cozart (.862 OPS in seven games) apparently has changed that thinking.

Cincinnati is among the many clubs interested in the Colorado Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez. The Reds’ farm system is deep enough that they should be able to put together an offer worthy of consideration.

Meanwhile, sources said, the Reds have had internal discussions about a number of middle and setup relievers. The list includes Jim Johnson and Koji Uehara of the Baltimore Orioles; Jason Isringhausen of the New York Mets; Jason Frasor of the Toronto Blue Jays; and Todd Coffey of the Washington Nationals.

Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty is familiar with Isringhausen from their time together with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Isringhausen pitched in the Cincinnati system last year. Coffey was originally drafted by the Reds and pitched for them from 2005-08.

Seattle Mariners closer Brandon League is another intriguing option, since he could take over as the Reds’ closer in the event Francisco Cordero departs as a free agent after this season

While interest from other teams in right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has claimed the attention in Colorado the more likely trade candidates are outfielder Ryan Spilborghs and right-handed reliever Rafael Betancourt. There also have been recent inquiries about closer Huston Street.

Betancourt and Spilborghs come with a smaller price tag than Jimenez, for whom the Rockies would want an impact package of players to deal.

Spilborghs is a versatile extra outfielder, capable of playing all three outfield positions, and with a successful track record as a pinch-hitter. A potential at the end of the season, Spilborghs has less than $1 million remaining on his 2011 contract.

Betancourt is an established eighth-inning reliever, but in addition to more than $1.5 million of salary remaining for this year he is guaranteed $4 million in 2012 with a $250,000 buyout for 2013.

Street isn’t the overpowering closer, but he has converted 23 of 25 opportunities this year, and in closer terms he is reasonably priced. He has less than $3.5 million of salary remaining this year, a $7.5 million guarantee for 2012, and a $500,000 buyout on an option for 2013.

With the non-waiver period trading deadline coming in two weeks, teams are actively evaluating potentially available talents. Among the clubs with scouts in attendance at the Rockies weekend series with Milwaukee were the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Arizona, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Texas, Detroit, Baltimore, and New York Yankees.

Kevin Slowey’s future with the Minnesota Twins was in question from the moment he failed to make the major-league rotation coming out of spring training.

Now, it’s looking more likely that he will be dealt prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

The Rockies and Pirates are among the teams showing continued interest in Slowey as he nears the conclusion of a minor-league rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Rochester, major-league sources told FOXSports.com. Slowey has no record and a 2.45 ERA in two starts for Rochester, with his third outing set for Friday night in Buffalo.

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Slowey, 27, is currently on the disabled list with an abdominal strain, but a source said he is healthy now. He also missed a month earlier this season because of bursitis in his throwing shoulder.

Slowey is earning $2.7 million this season but hasn’t found a role on the Twins’ big-league roster. He has a smaller build than most right-handed pitchers, and it doesn’t appear that he’s well-suited for relief pitching, which involves throwing back-to-back days.

The Twins are willing to trade him to a club that would use him as a starter, as long as they receive fair value in return. If they don’t deal him soon, it’s possible that Slowey will simply be kept in the minors on an optional assignment.

The Blue Jays have had interest in the past, but Slowey’s strike-throwing style is probably a better fit for the National League than the American League, where he has spent his entire career.

Slowey would probably welcome a trade to Pittsburgh, since he grew up in the area. The right-hander would be a good fit for the Pirates’ near-term and long-term plans, since he’s not due to become a free agent until after the 2013 season.

Slowey is 39-21 with a 4.43 ERA in 92 career big-league games, all but 10 as a starter.

The Rockies are not looking to move right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez.

They will, however, listen to what other teams might want to offer.

And with the Rockies have failed to meet expectations in the first half, and pitching in a severe shortage in the major leagues, plenty of teams at least want to explore the possibilities with the Rockies and Jimenez.

There were requests for 17 scouts tickets for the Rockies game against Milwaukee, in which Jimenez started, well above normal. Among teams with interest are Detroit, Atlanta, Cincinnati, the New York Yankees, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland.

Jimenez struggled at the start of the season, but finished the first half strong. After going 0-5 with a 5.86 ERA in his first nine starts he was 4-3 with a 2.53 ERA in the eight starts prior to Thursday. He has had problems at Coors Field this year (1-5, 6.24), but is 3-3 with a 2.28 ERA on the road.

The Dodgers have yet to engage in serious trade talks involving right-handed starter Hiroki Kuroda, who could be their highest-profile player moved in the coming month, a major-league source told FOXSports.com.

Kuroda is scheduled to start against the Angels on Friday, which will give scouts an opportunity to evaluate him against an American League lineup. In two starts against AL teams this year, he has yet to throw six complete innings.

Kuroda is 0-4 this month despite a 2.12 ERA. The Reds and Rockies had scouts in attendance at his most recent outing. The Yankees could enter the marketplace for his services, if Bartolo Colon and/or Phil Hughes are underwhelming in their respective returns from the disabled list.

Also, Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers is said to hold Kuroda in high regard, having watched him pitch many times in the National League West. Diamondbacks team president Derrick Hall told FOXSports.com this week that club ownership is willing to do “whatever it takes” at the trade deadline to the help the team win. Arizona has a young rotation and has recently dropped into second place after losing back-to-back series.

A full no-trade clause could complicate any efforts to trade Kuroda. He is owed around $6 million and is eligible for free agency after this season.

The Rockies, dissatisfied with the lack of athleticism, plan to shake up their bench, major-league sources say.

The players most in jeopardy: Infielders Alfredo Amezaga and Jose Lopez.

The Triple A players who could inject the most energy and speed: Infielders Eric Young Jr. and Chris Nelson.

It is not known whether the Rockies intend to make one move or two. But the team became less athletic after it demoted third baseman Ian Stewart to Triple A.

Lopez, signed to a one-year, $3.6 million contract, has a minor-league option remaining, but his five-plus years of major-league service gives him the right to reject any demotion and become a free agent. If he chose that route, he likely would clear waivers and sign a Triple A contract with another club.

Lopez, who has a .525 OPS in 128 plate appearances, is generating minimal trade interest, sources say. The Rockies would be responsible for the balance of his salary regardless of whether he stayed in the organization.

Amezaga, who did not play in the majors last season after undergoing microfracture knee surgery, signed with the Rockies as a minor-league free agent. He, too, would be exposed to waivers if the team tried to send him to the minors.

Young currently is batting .363 for Colorado Springs with a 1.006 OPS and 17 stolen bases in 18 attempts. Nelson is batting .312 with an .853 OPS.

The Colorado Rockies are not ready to place right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez on the disabled list. But their thinking could change Tuesday if Jimenez is still bothered by the cut on the cuticle of his right thumb.

Jimenez is scheduled to start Thursday in Pittsburgh, but the Rockies want to determine whether his cut is better and whether he can let the ball go properly in his bullpen session, according to a major league source.

The idea of placing him on the DL, the source said, would be to “get it right.” Jimenez missed a start in spring training because of the same issue, and the Rockies do not want it to linger.

A scout who attended Jimenez’s Opening Day start against the Arizona Diamondbacks said the pitcher dramatically lost velocity in his sixth and final inning, showing “zero arm speed.” Jimenez went from 92-93 mph — and topping out at 95 — to 86-88, the scout said.

Rockies officials, too, were baffled by Jimenez’s sudden drop in velocity, thinking their ace was throwing all changeups. But, except for his thumb, Jimenez is said to be fine.

Right-hander Esmil Rogers also is throwing well, and the Rockies believe that righties John Maine and Greg Reynolds will contribute at some point as well.

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Cook, set to earn $9.25 million this season, began the spring with right shoulder tightness, then suffered a broken right ring finger. He would be difficult to move, but at least the Rockies are in a position in which they do not need to rely on him.

• Talk about a roster crunch. By the end of spring training, the Mariners could bid farewell to five members of their 40-man roster, or 16 percent.

The M’s invited 23 non-roster players to spring training, and at least five stand reasonable chances of making the team — catcher Josh Bard, infielder Adam Kennedy, right-handers Jamey Wright and Chris Ray and one of two outfielders, Ryan Langerhans or Gabe Gross.

The Mariners currently are at the maximum 40. Left-hander Garrett Olson already is on waivers, according to a major-league source.

• Another issue for the M’s: Their bullpen.

“It starts with (Brandon) League,” one scout says. “Try to name the next guy.”

The M’s might need lots of “next guys” if they open with rookie right-hander Michael Pineda and lefty Erik Bedard in their rotation. Neither is likely to work deep into games, at least initially.

• Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers, who spent last season scouting with the Yankees, offers yet another ringing endorsement for the Yanks’ top pitching prospects — and actually likes right-hander Dellin Betances even better than lefty Manny Banuelos.

• New Dodgers first base coach Davey Lopes raves about the work ethic of shortstop prospect Dee Gordon, who is the son of former major-league pitcher Tom Gordon.

Lopes says that Gordon is inquisitive about the game and absorbs information like a sponge.

“His dad taught him right,” Lopes says.

• Finally, check out my video interview with the Dodgers’ Andre Ethier, who tells an amusing story about working out last offseason with the Red Sox’s Dustin Pedroia at a rehabilitation center in Gilbert, Ariz.

“He’s into yelling at other patients,” Ethier says. “It’s a public place where anyone comes in to work out. You had some old retirees to young kids battling stuff. He’s in there mixing it up with all of them, asking them what’s going on, challenging them or trying to outdo them in an exercise.

“It was pretty comical for me, and I bet for those patients in there getting a chance to have some little crazy guy yelling at them every day.”

With Aaron Cook having yet to throw a pitch in a spring game because of right shoulder inflammation, the Rockies are looking for a fill-in for the fifth spot in the rotation.

There is one benefit for the Rockies with their early season schedule. If they want to skip the fifth starter because of off days, they would not need a fifth start for a third time until April 26. Taking advantage of off days, a fifth starter would have to work on April 9 at Pittsburgh and 16 against the Chicago Cubs, and not again until April 26 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Cook’s shoulder has responded to treatment and he has begun throwing off an incline. Candidates to fill-in for him include Felipe Paulino, Esmil Rogers, Clayton Mortensen, and possibly John Maine, who is coming off surgery but threw two crisp innings in his spring debut on Tuesday.

The Marlins are interested in Young, who recently asked to be traded, major league sources say. One source with knowledge of the talks, however, describes the possibility as “a real reach.”

For a deal to occur, the Rangers would need to assume the vast majority of the remaining $48 million on the final three years of Young’s contract. Young also would need to waive his partial no-trade clause for the Marlins, who are not one of the eight teams that can obtain him without his approval.

The acquisition of Young would allow the Marlins to develop Dominguez at Triple A, leaving the club with an infield of Young, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, second baseman Omar Infante and first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

Young, a native of Covina, Calif., likely would prefer a trade to the Dodgers or even the Rockies, two teams that are interested in him and free to acquire him without his permission.

The Marlins, though, routinely aim high in trade discussions, and soon will grow more attractive for players seeking new homes. They are scheduled to move into a new ballpark in downtown Miami in 2012.

On Monday evening, the Texas Rangers acknowledged that star Michael Young has requested a trade.

The question now: Where might he be headed?

Here’s a look at seven teams that could, in theory, have room for Young. Inclusion on this list doesn’t necessarily suggest that the teams are in active dialogue with the Rangers.

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To avoid repetition, let’s acknowledge the obvious right from the beginning: The three years and $48 million left on Young’s contract will be tricky for any team to add at this stage of the offseason, as budgets and rosters are typically set by now. And with Vladimir Guerrero off the board after he signed with the Orioles last week, the Rangers will increase their asking price for Young. It will be much tougher to replace Young's offense now.

Already, we can cross off the Detroit Tigers from the list of possible suitors. Dave Dombrowski, the Detroit club president and general manager, told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that the Tigers are set with their internal candidates at second base.

COLORADO ROCKIES

Why: The Rockies have shown the most interest in Young throughout the off-season. Sources say they envision him as their everyday second baseman.

Why not: Talks with Colorado have gone on for two months without reaching a resolution. Also, Young hasn’t played second base in the major leagues since 2003. If his range was a problem at third base, it might become an even larger issue at second.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Why: The Angels have an obvious need at third base, where they had the lowest OPS of any team in the majors last year. Young would love to continue as an everyday player in the field while reuniting with close friend Vernon Wells.

Why not: The Rangers probably will be reluctant to trade Young within the division, particularly to the rival Angels. Texas won’t want to see him 19 times this year.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Why: The Dodgers could upgrade their offense by adding Young at third base and shifting Casey Blake into a super-utility/outfield role. As with the Angels, Young would probably welcome a move back to his native Southern California.

Why not: Given the Dodgers’ ongoing ownership uncertainty, the Rangers would probably need to eat a significant portion of Young’s salary in order to move him. MLB.com reported that a deal with the Dodgers is “a very long shot.”

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Why: St. Louis may want to upgrade at third or second, two positions where Young could help. Third baseman David Freese is coming off ankle surgery, and second baseman Skip Schumaker is a converted outfielder who had a disappointing 2010.

Why not: The Cardinals are a little preoccupied now with trying to sign Albert Pujols to a long-term deal. They probably want to save all their dimes in the piggy bank for the effort to retain Pujols.

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HOUSTON ASTROS

Why: In Carlos Lee, the Astros have a ready-made trade candidate. Lee is due $37 million over the next two seasons, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. The dollar values are close enough that the clubs could balance the money with a cash exchange. Young could play second base in Houston, with Bill Hall taking Lee’s place in left. Shortstop is another option for Young, with Clint Barmes moving to second and Hall to left.

Why not: The Astros are up for sale, meaning it’s difficult to make any moves that affect the payroll number – even a little bit. The Rangers are one of 14 teams on Lee’s no-trade clause, so his permission would be required for any deal. One source told FOXSports.com that Houston is a “real long shot” to get Young.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Why: The Blue Jays would love to acquire an everyday third baseman, so they can move Jose Bautista (and his difference-making throwing arm) back to right field. Young would have particular appeal to a Toronto team that has a youthful core and is trying to establish itself as a contender in the American League East.

Why not: The Jays, who drafted Young in 1997, are one of the teams to which he can block a trade. By dealing Wells and Shaun Marcum this offseason, general manager Alex Anthopoulos suggested that he wants to accumulate young talent with an eye toward 2012 and 2013.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Why: Young could take over at third base and push Chase Headley into the outfield. The Padres are among the teams to which Young can’t block a trade, according to MLB.com.

Why not: The Padres have a modest payroll and no bad contracts to swap, meaning the Rangers would need to eat the vast majority of the money due to Young. It’s very doubtful that such a trade would meet the Rangers’ standard of improving their club.

— Jon Paul Morosi

On Monday evening, the Texas Rangers acknowledged that star Michael Young has requested a trade.

The question now: Where might he be headed?

Here’s a look at seven teams who could, in theory, have room for Young. (Inclusion on this list doesn’t necessarily suggest that the teams are in active dialogue with the Rangers.)

To avoid repetition, let’s acknowledge the obvious right from the beginning: The three years and $48 million left on Young’s contract will be tricky for any team to add at this stage of the off-season, as budgets and rosters are typically set by now.

COLORADO ROCKIES

Why: The Rockies have shown the most interest in Young throughout the off-season. Sources say they envision him as their everyday second baseman.

Why not: Young hasn’t played second base in the major leagues since 2003. If his range was a problem at third base, it might become an even larger issue at second.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Why: The Angels have an obvious need at third base, where they had the lowest OPS of any team in the majors last year. Young would love to continue as an everyday player in the field while reuniting with close friend Vernon Wells.

Why not: The Rangers probably will be reluctant to trade Young within the division, particularly to the rival Angels. Texas won’t want to see him 19 times this year.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Why: The Dodgers could upgrade their offense by adding Young at third base and shifting Casey Blake into a super-utility/outfield role. Young would probably welcome a move back to his native southern California.

Why not: Given the Dodgers’ ongoing ownership uncertainty, the Rangers would probably need to eat a significant portion of Young’s salary in order to move him. MLB.com reported that a deal with the Dodgers is “a very long shot.”

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Why: St. Louis may want to upgrade at third or second, two positions where Young could help. Third baseman David Freese is coming off ankle surgery, and second baseman Skip Schumaker is a converted outfielder who had a disappointing 2010.

Why not: The Cardinals are a little preoccupied now with trying to sign Albert Pujols to a long-term deal. They probably want to save all their dimes in the piggy bank for the effort to retain Pujols.

HOUSTON ASTROS

Why: In Carlos Lee, the Astros have a ready-made trade candidate. Lee is due $37 million over the next two seasons, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. The dollar values are close enough that the clubs could balance the money with a cash exchange. Young could play second base in Houston, with Bill Hall taking Lee’s place in left.

Why not: The Astros are up for sale, meaning it’s difficult to make any moves that affect the payroll number – even a little bit. One source told FOXSports.com that Houston is a “real long shot” to get Young.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Why: The Blue Jays would love to acquire an everyday third baseman, so they can move Jose Bautista (and his difference-making throwing arm) back to right field. Young would have particular appeal to a Toronto team that has a youthful core and is trying to establish itself as a contender in the American League East.

Why not: A lot of obstacles here. The Jays are one of the teams to which Young can block a trade. By dealing Wells and Shaun Marcum this off-season, general manager Alex Anthopoulos suggested that he wants to accumulate young talent with an eye toward 2012 and 2013.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Why: Young could take over at third base and push Chase Headley into the outfield. The Padres are among the teams to which Young can’t block a trade, according to MLB.com.

Why not: The Padres have a modest payroll and no bad contracts to swap, meaning the Rangers would need to eat the vast majority of the money due to Young. It’s very doubtful that such a trade would meet the Rangers’ standard of improving their club.

‘Tis the season for bottom-feeding, and the Rockies are an example of a team trying to address minor needs.

Club officials specifically are looking at free agents in three areas, according to major-league sources.

• Rotation depth. The Rockies want a veteran who can give them 12 to 15 respectable starts when needed. Right-handers Dave Bush and Rodrigo Lopez are targets.

• Left-handed relief. Ideally, the Rockies would like to sign a veteran such as Mark Hendrickson or Joe Beimel to a minor-league deal. Franklin Morales and Matt Reynolds are their current left-handed options.

• Infield. Alfredo Amezaga, Cristian Guzman and Aaron Miles are among the possibilities for a backup role.

The Rockies also maintain interest in Michael Young — if the Rangers choose to move him. However, the team has taken on additional commitments since first discussing Young with the Rangers at the winter meetings, signing reliever Matt Lindstrom to a two-year, $6.6 million contract and awarding outfielder Carlos Gonzalez a $3 million signing bonus in his new seven-year, $80 million deal.

Young is guaranteed $16 million in each of the next three seasons, and the Rangers would have to include significant cash to facilitate a trade.